Tuesday, July 31, 2012

South Beach’s most adventurous Asian restaurant tempts food enthusiasts with a spicy signature lunch and dinner menu and a seductive selection of Naked Sushi with a “human” touch

The most audacious restaurant in South Beach, Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi at The Catalina Hotel & Beach Club on Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, is taking Miami Spice to the next level with a daring and risqué, first-of-its-kind offer for food enthusiasts and sushi-lovers, that gives new meaning to the term “fishy.

During Miami Spice months of August and September, Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi will be offering Naked Sushi -- a term used to describe the restaurant’s offer of an attractive male or female that can be ordered to arrive at the table, stripped of any clothing and tastefully, but scantily dressed, horizontally, in an artistic platter of sushi and sashimi for up to 10 people.

Each mouthwatering “body” of strategically arranged fish, selected from the Kung Fu sushi menu, will entice even the most famished group of friends, and for an all-inclusive cost of $500 per human platter, it may even come with polite conversation during the meal.

“We wanted to offer something different and unique during this year’s Miami Spice,” says Kung Fu restaurant manager, Morgan More. “It’s hard to find something in South Beach that goes beyond the standard prix fixe lunch or dinner menu during the two most popular summer months for eating out.

We often see large groups of locals and visitors at our restaurant looking for something fun and interesting to experience from our menu, so we thought the glamorous novelty factor of Naked Sushi would be something memorable that people could leave with and tell their friends about.”

In addition to the mystery human behind Naked Sushi, foodies are invited to experience a taste of the very best signature items from the Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi menu – brought together to form two very attractive three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus, available during Miami Spice throughout August and September.

Desserts include Guava Mango Cheesecake or the Ice Cream Brownie Sundae. Each dinner entrée is offered with a suggested wine pairing.

The Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menu for Miami Spice does not include tax or gratuity and is available seven days a week during August and September 2012. Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi is part of The Catalina Hotel & Beach Club and is located at 1720 Collins Avenue in the heart of South Beach.

Stylish indoor and outdoor patio seating, set against one of South Beach’s most renowned boutique hotels, provides a unique and quintessentially atmospheric dining experience, considered one of the best for people-watching or just relaxing with friends.

This promises to be a unique and special evening with Air Supply performing all of their hits in concert with an orchestra in the Winspear Opera House. The show is a co-presentation between the Center and Dallas POPS.

Still inspiring waves of romantic frenzy across the globe three decades after their debut hit single Lost In Love, Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock of Air Supply have been caught in a joyfully frenzied musical whirlwind these past few years, keeping a diverse international schedule.

Wherever they go, no matter what the language or culture of their audiences, Air Supply strikes a universal chord. They strike it by speaking the language of love and it runs through some of their greatest hits including; “Lost in Love,” “All Out of Love,” “Now and Forever” and “The One That You Love.”

The ever ambitious Air Supply is about to take several generations of adoring fans to another realm entirely in 2012, with the release Mumbo Jumbo, their first studio album since 2002. The album is a combination of great melodies, strong vocals and good storytelling. The album runs the gamut from incredible, thought provoking ballads and the loud rocker Me Like You.

The mix of dance music and rock ‘n’ roll is a somewhat new direction for Air Supply but it is one that Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock pull off with the complex harmonies, and masterful arrangements that have thrilled fans for decades.

Tickets range from $35 to $85 and can be purchased online at www.attpac.org, by phone at 214.880.0202, or in person at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Box office at the Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora Street (Monday through Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday 11 am – 4 pm), or at the remote Box Office at Park Place Lexus Plano at 1025 Preston Road.

About the AT&T Performing Arts Center

Open since October 2009, the AT&T Performing Arts Center is a vibrant destination for entertainment in the heart of the downtown Dallas Arts District. The Center presents a variety of programs, including its Lexus Broadway Series, Brinker International Forum and, in association with TITAS, contemporary dance and music, and other performances. The Center also provides performance space for The Dallas Opera, Dallas Theater Center, Texas Ballet Theater, Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico, in unparalleled venues set within a 10-acre urban park.

About TCG Productions:

TCG Productions (parent company of the Dallas POPS) was started by Stephen Cook to bring top level concerts to North Texas as well as seamlessly bring strategic marketing and execution as well as top level talent buying into the entertainment and performing arts industry. The goal of Dallas POPS is to bring great music to the masses. With shows in venues throughout North Texas and at affordable ticket pricing, Dallas POPS concerts are available to the masses.

TCG Productions and The Cooking Group provides top quality producing, programming, booking, marketing, brand, and publicity services to clients and projects. With experience drawn from years of working with some of the biggest brands in entertainment and the performing arts including Feld Entertainment, The Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Universal Studios, Disney on Ice, Six Flags and more, TCG offers clients and partners an unparalleled range of expertise. For more information, visit www.dallaspops.com or www.thecookinggroup.com or call 972-727-7779.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Uptown Players returns to the Kalita Humphreys Theater to continue its 2012 season with the Texas premiere of the 2011 Off-Broadway hit comedy, The Divine Sister in a 3- week limited run from July 13 – 29, 2012.

Written by Charles Busch, The Divine Sister is an outrageous comic homage to nearly every Hollywood film involving nuns.

Evoking such films as The Song of Bernadette, The Bells of St. Mary’s, The Singing Nun and Agnes of God, The Divine Sister tells the story of St. Veronica’s indomitable Mother Superior (played by drag-diva Coy Covington) who is determined to build a new school for her Pittsburgh convent. Along the way, she has to deal with a young postulant who is experiencing “visions,” sexual hysteria among her nuns, a sensitive schoolboy in need of mentoring, a mysterious nun visiting from the Mother House in Berlin, and a former suitor intent on luring her away from her vows. It’s madcap, miraculous, zany fun!

The Divine Sister runs July 13 through July 29, 2012, with performances Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

A special Thursday night performance will take place on July 26 at 8 p.m. Performances will take place at the Kalita Humphreys Theater, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd at Blackburn, Dallas, TX 75219.

Tickets are $25-$35 and can be purchased online at www.uptownplayers.org or by phone at (214) 219-2718.

About this Production:

The Divine Sister

by Charles Busch

Warning: This show contains adult language and content.

July 13 – 29, 2012

Directed by Andi Allen

July 13, 14, 20, 21, 26, 27, & 28 @ 8 p.m.

July 15, 22 & 29 @ 2 p.m.

Tickets: $25-$35

Box Office Info:

Online: www.uptownplayers.org

Phone: (214) 219-2718

About Uptown Players:

Now in its eleventh season, Uptown Players has gathered a dedicated following with an annual audience base of over 15,000 patrons, including over 900 season subscribers. The response from the community and critics has been remarkable, including over 25 Leon Rabin Awards from the Dallas Theatre League, several hundred “The Column” Awards and 17 Theatre Critics Forum

Awards in its first ten seasons.

In recent years, Uptown Players has also been named the best theatre company by the Dallas

Voice Readers Awards, and the Dallas Observer, and has appeared on the WFAA-A list and Best of Big D – D Magazine. Uptown Players has been featured on Good Morning Texas and Daybreak on WFAA. Uptown Players is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, presenting plays and musicals that challenge audiences artistically, build cultural bridges, and strive to create greater positive public awareness and acceptance through the performing arts.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Peter Pan was the first musical I ever saw. My mother was a culture maven and she took my brother and I to children's theater, art exhibits, educational movies and more. We grew up with a great appreciation of the arts and each of us passed it on to our children.

And Dallas parents must feel the same way. At a recent Sunday afternoon performance, the Dallas Music Hall was filled with happy children and adoring parents. Some of the audience even dressed as Tinkerbell and Captain Hook.

Cathy Rigby takes flight in this two-time Emmy Award-winning production, filled with timeless magical moments and a captivating hook. The New York Times says, "Rigby carries off the flights, fights, and acrobatics that make Peter Pan audiences mesmerized."

As I watched the show, I wondered how many millions of zillions of people had seen Cathy as Peter Pan. Surprisingly, my guest had never seen the musical. But I know that now she will take her grandson the first chance she gets.

Buy Tickets

The best way to enjoy a Dallas Summer Musicals season is to purchase a subscription package at the beginning of the season. You will have your same seats for each show and enjoy a number of other benefits, too. For more information, click on season tickets.

Not ready to commit to the entire season? There are several different ways to purchase single tickets for individual shows. Click on single tickets for a list or, to make an online purchase from the only authorized online seller, go to ticketmaster.com. ***Please note: On the day of the performance, tickets will be available for purchase at the Music Hall Box Office beginning 1 1/2 hours before the performance.***

Do you have a group of 10, 15, or 20 friends ready for a fun night out? Then save money and make sure your group is seated together withgroup tickets. Group tickets are also perfect for family reunions, churches, offices, scouts, etc.

Another option for single tickets is to purchase seats that subscribers have posted for sale on our web site. Use this link to see what is available and to buy tickets from subscribers.

For more information on tickets, contact the DSM Box Office (located in Preston Royal Shopping Center). You can also find seat locations using our downloadable seating charts.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream CoatJune 22 to August 5, 2012Dee and Charles Wylie Theater

I will never forget the first time I saw Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It was at a community college in San Antonio. I had never seen or heard anything by Andrew Lloyd Weber. I was mesmerized by the music, the staging, and the story.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat resonated with me and I set my personal radar for Andrew Lloyd Weber. I saw it on Broadway and one other time.

I was thrilled to learn the Dallas Theatre Center would be performing it at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theater. And doubly thrilled to learn it would be starring Liz Mikel, my friend and neighbor.

AN EVENT OF BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS

For two generations, this joyful, family-friendly musical has been giving audiences a new appreciation of the Old Testament story of Joseph, the boy dreamer. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph becomes the ruler of Egypt.

In DTC’s tuneful telling of this ancient story, practically every line is sung by the actors and a kids’ chorus, in styles from rock to western to a 1920s Charleston.

THIS IS NOTHING LIKE YOUR MOTHER’S DREAMCOAT.

I told my friend Zac about this musical and he was really interested. But the performance we saw was nothing like the biblical -based show I had described. Dallas Theater Center's rendition of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a multi-media show with contemporary icons like ipads, hip-hop, humorous mentions of Dallas newest bridge and more.

The biblical story was reinterpreted into a party that would appeal to all generations. Forty local children add to the energy and enthusiasm. I saw them basking in their performer’s glory at the cast party and can only image the high of this opportunity.

If you dream of being a performer and would like to be in Joseph, see the Bonus below.

THIS PERFORMANCE DESERVES A TOTAL “f”

It is fun, family-friendly, fantastically staged . Call the Box Office at 214-880-0202

BONUS: Be a star

DTC is giving fans everywhere a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to BE A STAR with a walk-on role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Follow these easy steps for a chance to SHINE with the cast of Joseph*.

3. Get creative and show your moves on video! Make crazy costumes, design a mini-set, cast a crew of friends as back-up dancers... whatever it takes to make the video AMAZING!

4. Post the video to the Facebook wall (facebook.com/DallasTheaterCenter) by 10:00am (CST) Monday, July 23 and use the Facebook message feature to send your contact information

5. DTC will announce the Grand Prize Winner on July 27. Happy dancing!Grand Prize: A walk-on role in Dallas production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat plus 4 VIP tickets for family and friends to attend the performance in which the winner appears.

*Please read the contest rules and regulations, available for download at

I will never forget the first time I saw Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It was at a community college in San Antonio. I had never seen or heard anything by Andrew Lloyd Weber. I was mesmerized by the music, the staging, and the story.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat resonated with me and I set my personal radar for Andrew Lloyd Weber. I saw it on Broadway and one other time.

I was thrilled to learn the Dallas Theatre Center would be performing it at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theater.

And doubly thrilled to learn it would be starring Liz Mikel, my friend and neighbor.

AN EVENT OF BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS

For two generations, this joyful, family-friendly musical has been giving audiences a new appreciation of the Old Testament story of Joseph, the boy dreamer. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph becomes the ruler of Egypt.In DTC’s tuneful telling of this ancient story, practically every line is sung by the actors and a kids’ chorus, in styles from rock to western to a 1920s Charleston.

THIS IS NOTHING LIKE YOUR MOTHER’S DREAMCOAT

I told my friend Zac about this musical and he was really interested. But the performance we saw was nothing like the biblical -based show I had described. Dallas Theater Center's rendition of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a multi-media show with contemporary icons like ipads, hip-hop, humorous mentions of Dallas newest bridge and more.

The biblical story was reinterpreted into a party that would appeal to all generations. Forty local children add to the energy and enthusiasm. I saw them basking in their performer’s glory at the cast party and can only image the high of this opportunity. If you dream of being a performer and would like to be in Joseph, see the Bonus below.

THIS PERFORMANCE DESERVES A TOTAL “f”

It is fun, family-friendly, fantastically staged. Call the Box Office at 214-880-0202

BONUS: Be a star

DTC is giving fans everywhere a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to BE A STAR with a walk-on role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Follow these easy steps for a chance to SHINE with the cast of Joseph*

3. Get creative and show your moves on video! Make crazy costumes, design a mini-set, cast a crew of friends as back-up dancers... whatever it takes to make the video AMAZING!

4. Post the video to the Facebook wall (facebook.com/DallasTheaterCenter) by 10:00am (CST) Monday, July 23 and use the Facebook message feature to send your contact information

5. DTC will announce the Grand Prize Winner on July 27. Happy dancing!Grand Prize: A walk-on role in Dallas production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat plus 4 VIP tickets for family and friends to attend the performance in which the winner appears. *Please read the contest rules and regulations, available for download at http://dastheatercenter.org/ For tickets call the Box Office 214-880-0202

Who says Friday the 13th is unluckyHere are some special deals that will make you feel lucky

On July 13 only, buy one dozen doughnuts and get a dozen Original Glazed Doughnuts for 75 cents. A little thanks for a lot of years.http://ow.ly/c4o7c

Starbucks special Refreshers are here!! Try a free tall hand crafted Refresher of your choice on us Friday noon to 3pm. http://sbux.co/OuG93l

Free Chicken Time is running out for you to create your best cow costume for Cow Appreciation Day® this Friday, July 13th ! Go online for your cow costume starter kit and make sure to visit your local Chick‑fil‑A® restaurant on Friday dressed head-to-hoof for a FREE meal. Partial costumes receive a FREE entrée. Present your bovine best!

Monday, July 09, 2012

I am a Liz Mikel groupie. I have seen every musical she appeared in during the past five years. And she sang at three funerals I attended. No matter what she does, or where she sings, she adds joy to everyone around her.

She is the Storyteller in Dallas at Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The show is dark on Monday, and Liz performed at Southside on Lamar. And some of her cast members came and danced as she sang. Pretty exciting to have all these performers in the building where I live.

Liz Mikel sang in the Blue Room at Southside on Lamar for Blue Monday. It was a chance to come out of the summer heat and chill with the toe-tapping, infectious hand clapping and song styling of Lucky and Tam Peterson. This dynamic duo has been moving crowds across the world performing Lucky's latest Grammy award nominated CD, Every Second a fool is Born. Liz joined them on stage.

And cast members from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat came and some of them even danced as the others sang.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

I have seen Jersey Boys several times. Once at the Dallas Summer Musicals. Once in Las Vegas. And I am not sure I even remember all the performances I have seen. Because if I am anywhere near where the show is playing I try to see it.

We are all so lucky that hit musical JERSEY BOYS, the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, is playing the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s Winspear Opera House June 12 through July 25, 2012.

The cast of JERSEY BOYS is led by Brandon Andrus (Nick Massi), Colby Foytik (Tommy DeVito), Jason Kappus (Bob Gaudio) and Brad Weinstock (Frankie Valli) as The Four Seasons, with Barry Anderson and Thomas Fiscella. JERSEY BOYS is a presentation of the Lexus Broadway Series.

JERSEY BOYS is the winner of the 2006 Best Musical Tony Award®, the 2006 Grammy Award® for Best Musical Show Album, the 2009 Olivier Award for Best New Musical and the 2010 Helpmann Award for Best Musical (Australia). JERSEY BOYS worldwide has been seen by approximately 14 million people (as of January, 2012).

Catch a sneak peek of Jersey Boys! Log on to www.JerseyBoysTour.com/watch.

Directed by two-time Tony® Award-winner Des McAnuff, JERSEY BOYS is written by Academy Award-winner Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe and choreography by Sergio Trujillo.

JERSEY BOYS is the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the story of how a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide - all before they were thirty.

JERSEY BOYS opened at the August Wilson Theatre on Broadway to critical acclaim on November 6, 2005. The JERSEY BOYS First National Tour opened to rave reviews in San Francisco on December 1, 2006, played a record-breaking run in Los Angeles and is still breaking house records in cities across North America. There are six current productions of JERSEY BOYS worldwide: New York; London; Las Vegas; Auckland, New Zealand (begins April 2012); and two US National tours.

The Original Broadway Cast Recording of JERSEY BOYS, produced by Bob Gaudio, was recently certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The cast recording is now available on Rhino Records. JERSEY BOYS: The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons (Broadway Books) is the official handbook to the smash Broadway hit. Seasons Greetings: A JERSEY BOYS Christmas, a new holiday CD featuring international cast members of JERSEY BOYS and produced by Bob Gaudio, is now available on Rhino Records.

Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased online at www.attpac.org/jerseyboys, by phone at 214.880.0202, or in person at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Box Office at the Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora Street (Monday through Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday 11 am – 4 pm), or at the remote Box Office at Park Place Lexus Plano at 1025 Preston Road.

Performances of JERSEY BOYS will be at 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturdays; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sundays and a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Thursday, July 12.

COLBY FOYTIK (Tommy DeVito) Colby launches the second national tour of Jersey Boys following a ten month run in the Las Vegas production. Fiddler On The Roof (Perchik) opposite Topol, Harvey Fierstein and Theodore Bikel. Proud Ithaca graduate and member of Actors’ Equity.

Open since October 2009, the AT&T Performing Arts Center is a vibrant destination for entertainment in the heart of the downtown Dallas Arts District. The Center presents a variety of programs, including its Lexus Broadway Series, Brinker International Forum and, in association with TITAS, contemporary dance and music, and other performances. The Center also provides performance space for The Dallas Opera, Dallas Theater Center, Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico, in unparalleled venues set within a 10-acre urban park.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Can't make it to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee or the Summer Olympics? Don't get your knickers in a twist! Get in on summer's British celebrations with this pet-friendly cocktail party benefiting Paws in the City, where Higgins, Hotel Palomar Dallas' new "director of pet relations" will be holding court!

Monday, June 04, 2012

The iconic Wilson Phillips will make a ONE NIGHT ONLY appearance, performing the music of their parents, The Beach Boys and The Mamas & the Papas. They will also be performing songs from their previous albums!

One of the best selling female groups of all time, Wilson Phillips is an award-winning trio consisting of Chynna Phillips, Carnie Wilson and Wendy Wilson. Their 1990 self-titled debut album sold over 10 million copies worldwide and scored three number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 1990, thegroup won the Billboard Music Award for Hot 100 Single of the Year for "Hold On", and in addition was nominated for four Grammy Awards and two American Music Awards.

The group is also known for being the offspring of prominent musicians; the Wilsons are the daughters of Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, while Phillips' parents are John Phillips and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas.

Most recentlyWilson Phillips finished recording their album “Dedicated” which is made up of covers of songs by The Beach Boys and The Mamas & the Papas.

After an exhilarating cameo in the film Bridesmaids and Chynna Phillips’ stint on Dancing With The Stars, Wilson Phillips will make a one night only appearance at the Winspear Opera House performing the music of their parents, The Beach Boys and The Mamas & the Papas.

They will also be performing songs from their previous albums! One of the best selling female groups of all time, Wilson Phillips is an award-winning trio consisting of Chynna Phillips, Carnie Wilson and Wendy Wilson.

They just finished shooting their own reality show, which will appear on the TV Guide Network in April. In one amazing night you will hear music spanning from the 60’s to today as Wilson Phillips reinvents the songs of their parents and performs their beloved hits!

About the AT&T Performing Arts Center

Open since October 2009, the AT&T Performing Arts Center is a vibrant destination for entertainment inthe heart of the downtown Dallas Arts District.

The Center presents a variety of programs, including its Lexus Broadway Series, Brinker International Forum and, in association with TITAS, contemporary dance and music, and other performances. The Center also provides performance space for The Dallas Opera, Dallas Theater Center, Texas Ballet Theater, Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico, in unparalleled venues set within a 10-acre urban park.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’ MAMMA MIA!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, returns to the Music Hall at Fair Park, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals for one week only May 29-June 3, 2012.

Seen by over 50 million people around the world, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’ global hit musical MAMMA MIA!, is celebrating over 4,000 performances in its tenth year at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre and remains among Broadway’s top selling musicals.

The current North American Tour has played over 3,700 performances in over 150 cities with 145 repeat visits. The original West End production of MAMMA MIA! is now in its thirteenth year and has celebrated over 5,000 performances in London and the international tour has visited more than 50 foreign cities and been seen by 4 million people.

The blockbuster feature film adaptation of MAMMA MIA!, produced by Judy Craymer and Gary Goetzman, is the most successful movie musical of all time grossing $600 million worldwide.

With a worldwide gross of over $2 billion, MAMMA MIA! is acclaimed by the Associated Press as "quite simply, a phenomenon."

An independent, single mother who owns a small hotel on an idyllic Greek island, Donna is about to let go of Sophie, the spirited daughter she’s raised alone. For Sophie’s wedding, Donna has invited her two lifelong best girlfriends—practical and no-nonsense Rosie and wealthy, multi-divorcee Tanya—from her one-time backing band, Donna and the Dynamos.

But Sophie has secretly invited three guests of her own. On a quest to find the identity of her father to walk her down the aisle, she brings back three men from Donna’s past to the Mediterranean paradise they visited 20 years earlier. Over 24 chaotic, magical hours, new love will bloom and old romances will be rekindled on this lush island full of possibilities.

Inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA’s songs from “Dancing Queen” and “S.O.S.” to “Money, Money, Money” and “Take a Chance on Me,” MAMMA MIA! is a celebration of mothersand daughters, old friends and new family found.

Single tickets for MAMMA MIA! are priced from $15-$75, available through The Box Office,5959 Royal Lane #542 in the Preston/Royal Shopping Center. Tickets are also available by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/. For groups of 10or more, please call 214-426-GROUP.

The performance schedule for MAMMA MIA! at the Music Hall at Fair Park is Tuesday, May 29 through Friday, June 1 at 8 p.m., with two performances each on Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3 at 2 and 8 p.m.

Produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East and Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal, the creative team responsible for bringing MAMMA MIA! to theatrical life includes some of the most gifted and celebrated talents of musical theatre and opera. With music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson and directed by Phyllida Lloyd.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Bluesy and soulful, Madeleine Peyroux has one of the most unique voices in jazz today.Madeleine’s road to fame is as romantic as her sound. Having honed her vocal and guitar skills on the famously unique, acoustic streets of Europe, Peyroux’s style was inspired by jazz legends such as Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith and Louis Armstrong.

She is perhaps best known to her fans for intimately arranged covers of early American blues and jazz music. Some of her most notable albums include 2005’s Careless Love and 2009’s Bare Bones.

Peyroux has collaborated with such heavy hitters as Joe Henry, Steely Dan’s Walter Becker and the Rolling Stones’ Bill Wyman, and went on tour last year with Diana Krall and Melody Gardot in Australia. Her new album will be released this year. Unique, bluesy and soulful, this concert will be presented in the intimate Wyly Theater and will be a special highlight in the TITAS music series.

COMING SOON: Wilson Phillips

The iconic Wilson Phillips will make a ONE NIGHT ONLY appearance, performing the music of their parents, The Beach Boys and The Mamas & the Papas. They will also be performing songs from their previous albums!One of the best selling female groups of all time, Wilson Phillips is an award-winning trio consisting of Chynna Phillips, Carnie Wilson and Wendy Wilson. Their 1990 self-titled debut album sold over 10million copies worldwide and scored three number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.In 1990, the group won the Billboard Music Award for Hot 100 Single of the Year for "Hold On", and in addition was nominated for four Grammy Awards and two American Music Awards. The group is also known for being the offspring of prominent musicians; the Wilsons are the daughters of Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys,while Phillips' parents are John Phillips and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas.

Most recently Wilson Phillips finished recording their album “Dedicated” which is made up of covers of songs by TheBeach Boys and The Mamas & the Papas.

They also finished shooting their own reality show, which willappear on the TV Guide Network in April.

Tickets for TITAS performances range from $12.00 to $200.00 and can be purchased online atwww.attpac.org, by phone at 214.880.0202, or in person at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Box officeat the Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora Street (Monday through Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday 11am – 4 pm), or at the remote Box Office at Park Place Lexus Plano at 1025 Preston Road.

About the AT&T Performing Arts Center

Open since October 2009, the AT&T Performing Arts Center is a vibrant destination for entertainment in the heart of the downtown Dallas Arts District. The Center presents a variety of programs, including its Lexus Broadway Series, Brinker International Forum and, in association with TITAS, contemporary dance and music, and other performances. The Center also provides performance space for The Dallas Opera,Dallas Theater Center, Texas Ballet Theater, Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Anita N. Martinez BalletFolklorico, in unparalleled venues set within a 10-acre urban park.

Christian Diaz has returned to his creative roots - Sculpting. The challenges of the last few years have strengthen his spiritual passion for capturing life-moments , expressed in his most recent works. “I consider my present challenge one of the greatest blessings in my life. It has awakened a deep need to communicate new realizations and spiritual confirmations.

My mind is full - so my sense of urgency has increased but my heart is at Peace and fully Content - freeing me from life’s clutter and clearly defining what and who is really important in my life.”

Christian's work connects you to a special moment in time captured by his interpretation and personal experiences.

Come and experience Diaz’ new and old works and concepts of works in progress.

Dallas Theater Center presents God of Carnage at the Kalita Humphreys Theater, May 11 to June 17, directed by Joel Ferrell. The laugh-out-loud hilarious God of Carnage, Ferrell’s first production since being named DTC Associate Artistic Director, stars Brierley Resident Acting Company members Hassan El-Amin, Sally Nystuen-Vahle and Christie Vela. Chris Hury will be making his DTC debut.

God of Carnage welcomes audiences into Michael (Hassan El-Amin) and Veronica (Christie Vela) Novak’s living room to witness a visit with Alan (Chris Hury) and Annette (Sally Nystuen-Vahle) Raleigh. Their 11-year-old sons have gotten into a tussle on the playground; one of them armed with a stick, the other now without a tooth. As their conversation continues, the couples take smugness, pettiness and meanness to new heights of hilarity.

Tickets for God of Carnage are on sale now.Ticket prices start at $15 for all performances and are available online at www.DallasTheaterCenter.org or by phone at (214) 880-0202.

All performances of God of Carnage will be held at the Kalita Humphreys Theater, where it runs May 11 – June 17.Opening night is Friday, May 18 at 8:00 p.m. Performance times are Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.; and Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m.

To conclude the 35th Anniversary Season, Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) will perform Escapades, a work of renowned choreographer Alvin Ailey. DBDT has received the rights to perform the full piece in its entirety making them the only professional dance company with the work as a part of its current repertory. Former Ailey dancer, Christopher Huggins, restaged the work for the DBDT Spring Celebration Series. Huggins was a member of the original Ailey cast that premiered the work in New York and was selected by Sylvia Waters, the administrator of the ballet, to set the piece for DBDT..

The ballet was originally choreographed by Mr. Ailey for the Aterballeto – Centro Regionale Della Danza of Italy in 1983 and set to a score by jazz legend Max Roach. Famous artist and designer Carol Vollet Kingston, the original costumer for the ballet often speaks of the excitement during the premiere week in Italy. According to Kingston, both she and Roach were summoned to Italy for the debut by Ailey himself.

A suite of four dances, the piece tells a love story through a combination of modern, jazz and ballet techniques. The central couple is continually surrounded by duets and quartets of dancers who effortlessly move in and out of earthy sensuality and graceful lyricism. When the work premiered originally, the New York Times called it, “breathtaking in its invention.”

Dallas Black Dance Theatre will also celebrate the 35th Anniversary on Saturday, May 19th with a special night of festivities. After the performance, the Wyly Theatre will be transformed to represent each of the decades in the life of DBDT. Live music will be played on four floors of the venue for the Gala Finale.

The Spring Celebration Series takes place May 17-20 at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre. Ticket prices begin at $15 (except the Gala Finale) and may be purchased online at www.dbdt.com or by calling 214-880-0202.

Friday, May 11, 2012

MEMPHIS, the 2010 Tony® Award Winner for Best Musical, and the show that’s currently blowing the roof off Broadway, opens at the Music Hall at Fair Park May 15-27, 2012 for a limited engagement, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals.

Critically acclaimed MEMPHIS won four 2010 Tony® Awards including Best Musical

MEMPHIS takes place in the smoky halls and underground clubs of the segregated 50’s, where a young white DJ named Huey Calhoun fell in love with everything he shouldn’t: rock and roll and an electrifying black singer. MEMPHIS is an original story about the cultural revolution that erupted when his vision met her voice, and the music changed forever. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves --filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock 'n' roll.

The show features a brand new Tony winning score with music by Bon Jovi’s founding member and keyboardist David Bryan and lyrics by Bryan and Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change), who also pens the musical’s book. Bryan and DiPietro also collaborated on the award-winning off-Broadway hit, The Toxic Avenger.

MEMPHIS is based on a concept by the late George W. George (producer of the Tony nominated Bedroom Farce and the film My Dinner With Andre), with direction by Tony nominee Christopher Ashley (Xanadu) and choreography by Sergio Trujillo, who is currently represented by three shows on Broadway (Memphis, Jersey Boys and The Addams Family). Scenic Design for MEMPHIS is by Tony® Award winner David Gallo (The Drowsy Chaperone, Reasons to Be Pretty), Costume Design is by Tony nominee Paul Tazewell (In The Heights), Lighting Design is by Tony Award winner Howell Binkley (Jersey Boys) and Sound Design is by Ken Travis (The Threepenny Opera).

David Richardson of WOR Radio calls MEMPHIS “The biggest hit on Broadway”

Charles Isherwood of the New York Times says, “David Bryan evokes the powerhouse funk of James Brown, the hot guitar riffs of Chuck Berry, the smooth harmonies of the Temptations, the silken, bouncy pop of the great girl groups of the period.”

The New York Post raves “Of such thrills, Broadway is made,”

Newsday calls the show “A smash!An extraordinary show,”

the Daily News promises that MEMPHIS will “Blast you out the door humming and happy”

MEMPHIS will run May 15-27, 2012 at the Music Hall at Fair Park, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and an evening performance at 8 p.m. Sunday, May 20, plus an added matinee at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 24. Single tickets are on sale now, priced from $15-$75, at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, #542 in the Preston/Royal Shopping Center.

Tickets are also available by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For groups of 10 or more, please call 214-426-GROUP.

Dallas Summer Musicals mini-packs are on sale now at The Box Office, 5959 Royal

AMERICAN IDIOT, a 2010 Tony Award®-nominated Best Musical and 2010 Grammy Award winner for Best Musical Show Album, features the music of Green Day with the lyrics of its lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong.

The book is by Armstrong and Michael Mayer and direction is by Tony Award®-winner Mayer (“Spring Awakening”).The acclaimed creative team also includes choreography by Olivier Award-winner Steven Hoggett (“BlackWatch”), and music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Pulitzer Prize-winner Tom Kitt (“Nextto Normal”).

The Tony Award®-winning scenic design by Christine Jones and the Tony Award®-winninglighting design by Kevin Adams will also be featured in the tour.

Nominated for three Tony Awards®, AMERICAN IDIOT is the story of three boyhood friends, each searching for meaning in a post 9-11 world. Through incredible spectacle, thrilling performances and with the hope embodied by a new generation, AMERICAN IDIOT has given Broadway audiences the time of their lives night after night since the musical began performances at the St. James Theatre in March 2010.

“Since its inception, audiences have been surprised by the emotional journey the show takes them on, told almost exclusively through Green Day’s songs, including many they are already familiar with and love,” saidTom Hulce, producer.

“This is such a potent time for our country and the search of our characters for whatto believe in is gorgeously celebrated through Billie Joe and Green Day’s wonderfully lush score,” he added.

The musical features the hits “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “21 Guns,” “Wake Me Up When SeptemberEnds,” “Holiday” and the blockbuster title track “American Idiot” from Green Day’s 2004 Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum album.

Also included in the score are several songs from Green Day’s 2009release “21st Century Breakdown,” and an unreleased love song, “When It’s Time.”AMERICAN IDIOT premiered at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in September 2009 and played through November of that year.

In April 2010, the musical opened on Broadway where reviews were unanimously positive with Charles Isherwood of the New York Times calling the show “the most adventurous musical to brave Broadway in the past decade” and the Toronto Star naming it “the first great musical of the 21 stcentury!”VIZIO is the official TV partner of the AMERICAN IDIOT tour.

AMERICAN IDIOT is part of the Lexus Broadway Series.Ticket prices range from $30.00 to $150.00 and can be purchased online at www.attpac.org/americanidiot,by phone at 214.880.0202, or in person at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Box Office at the Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora Street (Monday through Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday 11 am – 4 pm), or at the remote Box Office at Park Place Lexus Plano at 1025 Preston Road

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Fascinating and innovative barely begin to describe a Diavolo performance. Known for large interactive sets and stunning acrobatics, this TITAS favorite returns to Dallas with Fearful Symmetries, a spectacular new work with a score by renowned composer John Adams,and signature work Trajectoire.

Guided by award-winning artistic director Jacques Heim, Diavolo’s gymnasts/dancers create visually striking performances that are surprising for the audience and cinematic in scope.

The company uses their larger-than-life sets as more than decoration, but rather as active participants in telling the tale. Presented in the intimate Wyly Theater, you can’t help but be drawn into the surrealistic world that is Diavolo.

I live at Southside on Lamar, the official home of the Dallas Black Ballet. I asked some of them about this program and they agreed it was a "Don't Miss."

Two shows more info | buy ticketsMAY 4 & 5,8:00pm Tickets from $19WylyTheatreFascinating and innovative barely begin to describe a Diavolo performance. Known for large interactive sets and stunning acrobatics, this TITAS favorite returns to Dallas with Fearful Symmetries, a spectacular new work with a score by renowned composer John Adams,and signature work Trajectoire. Guided by award-winning artistic director Jacques Heim, Diavolo’s gymnasts/dancers create visually striking performances that are surprising for the audience and cinematic in scope. The company uses their larger-than-life sets as more than decoration, but rather as active participants in telling the tale. Presented in the intimate Wyly Theater, you can’t help but be drawn into the surrealistic world that is Diavolo. Purchase by Phone at 214.880.0202. VIEW FULL SCHEDULE OF TITAS PERFORMANCES

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Uptown Players continues its 2012 season with the Southwest premiere of the hysterical parody, Silence of the Clams, written by Jamie Morris, the creator of past Uptown smash hits, The Facts of Life: The Lost Episode and Mommie Queerest.

Silence of the Clams, featuring an all-male cast of three, is a parody of the1990 Oscar-winning Jodie Foster/Anthony Hopkins thriller, Silence of the Lambs. Butch FBI agent Clarice Startling is assigned to help find Nancy Pelosi's missing daughter and save her from "Beaver Bob," a serial killer who skins his victims "down there." Clarice attempts to gain better insight into the mind of the killer by interviewing Dr. Hannibal Lichter, a convicted psychopath who "eats" his female victims before he kills them. The twisted relationship forces Clarice not only to confront her own psychological demons, but leads her face-to-face with a demented killer, so evil that even she may not have the courage - or strength - to stop him!

The cast of three men (Mathew Butler, Austin Tindle, and Mikey Abrams) play 15 characters in 22 fast-paced scenes in the span of 90 minutes. The production is under the direction of Linda Leonard and is rated R for adult language, humor and situations.

Silence of the Clams runs April 27 – May 20, 2012, with performances Thursday through Saturday nights at 8 p.m. There is no performance on May 19, but an additional performance has been added at 7: 30 p.m. on May 20 at 7:30 p.m. Performances will take place at the Rose Room Theatre, located inside the S4 Nightclub at 3911 Cedar Springs Rd, Dallas TX 75219. Tickets are $20-$25 and can be purchased online at http://www.uptownplayers.org/ or by phone at 214-219-2718. All patrons must be 21 years of age or older and have proof of age with them.

Now in its eleventh season, Uptown Players has gathered a dedicated following with an annual audience base of over 15,000 patrons, including over 900 season subscribers. The response from the community and critics has been remarkable, including over 25 Leon Rabin Awards from the Dallas Theatre League, several hundred “The Column” Awards and 17 Theatre Critics Forum Awards in its first ten seasons. In recent years, Uptown Players has also been named the best theatre company by the Dallas Voice Readers Awards, and the Dallas Observer, and has appeared on the WFAA-A list and Best of Big D – D Magazine. Uptown Players has been featured on Good Morning Texas and Daybreak on WFAA. Uptown Players is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, presenting plays and musicals that challenge audiences artistically, build cultural bridges, and strive to create greater positive public awareness and acceptance through the performing arts. There is no other theater group with this unique mission in the Dallas area.

I just joined Humana and had to switch to their drug by mail fulfillment.

RightSourceRX is impossible.

My first contact was with a rude, untrained employee (even his supervisor agreed when I finally held forever and got to talk to a reasonable person)

I have wasted hours, spent over 100 minutes on the phone to them, and had to drive to Walgreens to get the most urgent one because it could have been 21 more days before I received it by mail.

I am curious if anyone else has been as frustrated with RightSourceRX as I am

April 24

Spent about an hour trying to get status of my order. The man who answered phone insisted I had not signed up for RightSource RX online. He was rude and very unhelpful. He was also WRONG. I had signed up. When I insisted on talking to a supervisor, he was reluctant to get one. He kept coming back on line while I was holding to ask why I had to speak to a supervisor.

When I finally reached the supervisor, he apologized and said the first person was not an internet person. Why didn’t first person tell me that? Why did I have to wait so long and repeat my problem because I reached an untrained person?

They said it could take another two weeks AFTER it was processed. I was very frustrated and it took nearly an hour.

I had to call my doc to get a local pharmacy to fill Accupril.

April 25

I had to check with pharmacy. They had rx. I had to drive over, wait in line, and pay a higher price. But the story gets WORSE .

April 26,2012

I GET an email (first thing that was done correctly) that my order from RightSourceRX was on hold. They already had it for over a week and I have spoken with them. I call RightSourceRX again.

Alex at 12:15

Got a note that my order was on hold. Called rightsource RX. They said they had to talk to doctor. She said they needed instructions on two of the drugs. They could not send the other 7 until they talked to doctor. This is very annoying. I did not get accupril in time so doctor had to call in RX to a pharmacy and I had to go pick it up

I asked if they could ship the ones that were correct. She said she would have to get special permission from their doctor line. I held while she checked. She said she could not call me back or email me. I had to hold. She checked with “doctor line” and they said they had gotten my doctors instructions so they could finally process the order (which they had for 8 days)

Yulanda until 12:46

I asked for a supervisor. Yulanda was polite and tried to help. She just had no authority to do so. Again I had to hold while she checked with some other panel of drug gods. The FINALLY got them to make my order a priority. She said it would get there in about 5 days. Still too long a wait—and this took me three hours, there were 4 phone calls to my doctor and I wasted 100 phone minutes.

Alex suggested I wrote to their Grievance address. I wondered how long it would take them to open my letter. How long it would take them to read it. And then if they would even do anything about it.